Former Australia captain Michael Clarke He suggested that Othman Al Khawaja He should consider announcing his retirement during the fifth Test of Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.
Clark thinks so Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)Khawaja’s residence will be the perfect stage for the veteran batsman to bid farewell to international cricket. The 38-year-old left-hander has come under scrutiny after a lackluster performance in the ongoing series against India. Despite his tremendous contributions to Australian cricket since his recall in 2022, Khawaja’s form has declined, and Clarke feels this is a golden opportunity for him to step down on his own terms.
Conflicts in BGT vs India series: Michael Clarke points out
Al-Khawaja’s recent performance was below expectations. In the ongoing series Vs IndiaHe managed just 141 runs in eight innings, at a modest average of 20.14, with one half-century. His struggles against India’s spearhead, Jasprit Bumrahwas particularly noticeable. During 2024, Khawaja played nine Tests, scoring 415 runs at an average of 25.93. This is a sharp decline from its stellar averages of 67.50 in 2022 and 52.60 in 2023.
Despite these challenges, Clark praised Khawaja’s impressive career, particularly his ability to perform at home and abroad. “This is Uzzie’s home Test match, the SCG. He was a fantastic player, scoring runs abroad and in Australia. At 38 years old, I think this could be a great opportunity for Uzzie to announce his retirement and make the Sydney Test his last.” Clarke participated in the Beyond 23 Cricket Podcast.
A window of opportunity for a new generation of players
Clarke stressed the importance of planning ahead, noting that Khawaja’s retirement would give Australia plenty of time to prepare a new opener ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes series on home soil. Australia have been searching for a stable opening partner ever since David WarnerHis retirement was still ongoing. Various players, incl Steve Smith, Nathan McSweeney And the youth Konstas himselfthey shared Al-Khawaja at the top of the standings. Constas recently showed promise with his first appearance in fifty years, but remains untested under difficult conditions.
“I know he wants to keep playing. His form has not been as good as he would have liked throughout this series. I know we have a trip to Sri Lanka, and then we get the Ashes. There’s a lot of cricket in between, but I also think this could be a great opportunity for a new player.” To come in, open the batting, and get some Test cricket under his belt before the first Ashes Test match. The 43-year-old added.
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Sydney Test: The final match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy
Clarke believes retiring in front of his home fans would be a fitting conclusion to Khawaja’s illustrious career, especially with age and form being key considerations. Since his recall in 2022, Khawaja has amassed 2,705 runs in 33 Tests at an average of 49.18, including seven centuries and a career-best 195*. Throughout his career, he scored 5,592 runs at an average of 44.38, with 15 centuries and 27 fifties.
“Uzzie has earned the right to do his own thing. But I thought maybe this was the perfect time for him to finish on his own terms. In front of family and friends, the Sydney Test match, what a fantastic opportunity.” Clark concluded.
As Australia prepares for the crucial fifth Test starting January 3, they will be aiming for a historic victory over India, reclaiming the coveted trophy for the first time since 2025. For Khawaja, it could mark the end of an illustrious career at one of the venues. Where his journey began.
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